The University of Idaho will require all students, faculty and staff to wear facial coverings when the fall semester begins later this month to stop spread of the delta variant of COVID-19.
According to an email sent to faculty, students and staff, masks or face shields will be required in UI classrooms in the fall, though faculty members using a face shield must also maintain 6 feet of social distancing. The requirement will be reviewed every three weeks.
The decision was made in collaboration with the State Board of Education, Idaho Public Health and other four-year institutions in the state.
The message from UI noted the school cannot require vaccination because of an executive order issued by Gov. Brad Little, but students who show proof of full vaccination will receive a $50 gift card to either the VandalStore or to some dining spaces on campus. Those students will also be entered into a drawing for two $5,000 awards, and 10 $1,000 awards. (University of Idaho, Lewiston Tribune)
